FAQs
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Yes, an experienced car technician can usually identify signs that suggest a cambelt (or timing belt) needs replacing. They can do this during routine maintenance or when diagnosing an issue with your vehicle. However, some of the indications are not always obvious and require a detailed inspection. Some of the signs include visible leaks, trouble starting the engine and strange noises.
Yes, a broken cambelt (also known as a timing belt), has the potential to cause significant damage to your engine, especially interference engines. When a cambelt snaps, the pistons collide with the valves which can result in bent valves, broken piston heads and potential damage to the cylinder head and walls.
For non-interference engines, the pistons and valves don’t share the same space which means an lower risk of serious damage. However, it will still result in an inoperable car and necessitate a timing belt replacement, which can be a costly repair.
Typically, a cambelt should be replaced every 60,000-100,000 miles, or every five years. However, it’s important to check your car owner’s manual as it may vary depending on the make and model of your car.
Since the process is labour intensive, a cambelt replacement service typically takes between 3-5 hours but it can vary depending on the make and model of your car and the efficiency of the garage.
While all vehicle components require maintenance, it’s particularly important to pay attention to your car’s timing belt. Unfortunately, there aren’t always clear signs that a cambelt has reached the end of its life and even experts may have trouble diagnosing it without a deeper dive. However, click this link to find out the signs that a cambelt replacement is imminent, as many people have reported these as the main indicators.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cambelt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 5-7 years, whichever comes first. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, so it’s always best to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. Remember to treat the manufacturer’s intervals as the maximum frequency as it’s safer to get it done sooner, especially considering the damage it can cause if you don’t